Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or the name Kurosaki Masaki, both belong to Tite Kubo. My OC belongs to me under the name of Mai.
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Sorry for this tardy chapter, I've been busy and it took a while for my muse to cooperate in order for this chapter to be what I wanted it to be.
I've posted new art since I last updated. Sorry, now you guys have to copy and paste the link because of new security measures in order to go to the page, but please take the time to look at them. Eclipse is the best rendition I've done of my OC so far. Oyasumi features the flashback of child Masaki and Rukia in chapter 18 while Bested features chapter 19's flashback of Masaki fighting Ichigo.
Edited formatting:3/16/18
"Damn you, Kenpachi," Ichigo swore, panting heavily as he leaned against a wall. His eyes briefly slid closed, as he inhaled air into his aching lungs. Sweat trickled down his forehead and onto the bridge of his nose. Placing a hand over his nose, Ichigo hastily wiped the saline liquid.
He remained there several moments allowing his throbbing feet to savor the contact against the floor without exertion. His poor feet had just run more than he had ever run in his entire life. The fact that he had used Shunpo half the time did not diminish the amount of time and distance he had spent running away from the fiend that was Zaraki Kenpachi.
Looking back at the first time he'd been chased by the Eleventh Division taichō two months prior, that had merely been a jog around the park. This time around Ichigo felt as though he had been through the longest, craziest marathon known to man. Kenpachi had been quite insistent and determined in his chase and had managed to keep up with Ichigo pretty well. Even when he had thought he had lost the mad man, he'd appear forcing Ichigo to continue his flight. So much for Kenpachi having a poor sense of direction like Inoue had told him the former had and had shown himself when he failed to locate Ichigo in Fake Karakura.
There were so many times Ichigo had thought he had gotten the runaround over Kenpachi only to find himself heading straight for the Eleventh Division beast himself.
Stupid streets. They were too damn confusing and poorly designed. He had been quite certain that he had been heading the opposite direction from Kenpachi all those times. Perhaps, there was the possibility that his oxygen deprived brain and aching body had impaired his judgment as he raced across endless highly polished stone that was surely laid there eons ago though its appearance said otherwise, scaled over russet tiles hanging over gleaming white buildings and walls, weaved through veils of black clad denizens, and darted through dark alleys and sun lit passageways.
Impaired or not, Ichigo was thoroughly convinced that the Seireitei was constructed to resemble some kind of endless, crisscrossing maze to ensure that if intruders managed to get past the Gate Guardians, the Sekkiseki covered walls, and the Shakonmaku, they wouldn't advance far within its walls. Ichigo could scarcely believe even now after everything that he had been through, that he had indeed managed to traverse these streets let alone survive his battles in an effort to reach the Senzaikyū where Rukia was. If there was one thing that had made his journey easier was the fact that the Senzaikyū and Sōkyoku were situated at the center of this grand city. That was the only credit he was gonna give to whoever designed the Seireitei.
Glancing at the sun, Ichigo could tell it was well past morning, sometime within the afternoon. He had spent nearly all day running away from his pursuer. The afternoon would soon essentially give way into early evening seeing as how night now fell faster due to the autumn season.
At least he was finally free or so that was what Ichigo had surmised after traveling for nearly an hour without hearing or sensing Kenpachi around him. He hadn't dared to turn around to ascertain his theory, just continued his hurried navigation until he finally decided his body could no longer go on without proper rest. Here and there, he had managed to rest but it was never quite enough.
Relishing the feel of doing absolutely nothing but breathing, Ichigo contemplated sitting down on the smooth, glossy floor when a shout interrupted his musings.
"Oi, what are you doing there?"
Ichigo turned his head to the left and spotted down the street a man dressed in a sleeveless deep blue jinbaori over a Shihakushō, clutching what appeared to be a pitchfork. The pitchfork, however, was unusual in the sense that it contained only two steel prongs at either end and that the open space between them formed a perfect rectangle.
"I asked you a question. What are you doing standing there?" the man demanded when Ichigo failed to respond. He was making his way down the street.
Ichigo pulled away from the wall despite his body's protests and said, "Nothing. I—"
"Nothing?" the man repeated, narrowing his eyes in apparent suspicion. "Surely there must be a reason that brings you here. Are you seeking to enter the premises of the Sugawara Clan? The entrance is not this way, Shinigami. It's on the other side. Come, I'll take you there."
"Actually, I'm not headed there."
"You're not?" the man said, prompting Ichigo to shake his head. "Well, if you do not wish to enter the Sugawara Clan residence then what are you doing here?"
"Well, you see, I was just passing by," Ichigo replied casually.
"Passing by?" the man repeated, frowning. "The Sugawara do not appreciate having passers-by lean on their property, least all of if they have no business to conduct with them."
"I understand," Ichigo said. "No problem, I'll be leaving now."
He started to walk past the guard of the Sugawara Clan when the man said, "Wait, Shinigami."
Ichigo halted, glancing at the man.
"What division are you from?"
"Division?" Ichigo repeated. "I don't have one. I'm a substitute Shinigami."
"I've never heard of a substitute Shinigami. What kind of game are you playing?" the man said, glaring at Ichigo, his hand tightening over his pitchfork. "What's your division and what really brought you here?"
"Listen, calm down, I really am a substitute Shinigami," Ichigo said, whipping out his substitute Shinigami badge.
The man glanced at the skull adorning the pentagon shaped badge, but did now show any signs of acceptance. "What is this? Something you carved up. Nice try. Are you even a real Shinigami? What were you really doing here?"
The man raised his pitchfork forward towards Ichigo.
The orange haired Shinigami jumped back reflexively and raised his hands in a half-surrendering, half-defensive gesture.
"Whoa, it's the truth. Ukitake Jūshirō gave it to me."
"Really, if that's the case why didn't you just say you were a part of his division?" The man arched a brow at him, still holding out his pitchfork, ready to use at it any moment. "That's suspicious. You are under arrest—"
"Under arrest?" Ichigo exclaimed in disbelief. "Why? I did nothing wrong. I told you the truth. You can ask Ukitake Jūshirō yourself."
"We will once you are under custody," the man informed him as he walked forward, weapon outstretched in front of him.
"This is crazy. There is no need for this. My badge is proof. I didn't even do anything wrong."
Ichigo sidestepped the man, slipped his badge inside his kosode, and started jogging down the street. The man immediately let out a piercing whistle and three men holding the pitchfork like weapons appeared at the far end of the street.
"Crap," Ichigo muttered, unable to believe that this was happening.
"Halt, Shinigami, you are under arrest," one of the men informed him.
Ichigo hesitated, trying to think of how he was gonna get out of this one. He didn't want to hurt these guards or do anything to escalate the situation. It was obvious these guys weren't going to listen to his reasoning though. Maybe he should just use Shunpo to escape. He just prayed he could easily lose these guys. He did not want to endure another repeat of a Kenpachi chase. He was beginning to wonder if it was ever possible to be within the Seireitei and not be subjected to threats and arrests.
The men charged forward with their weapons and just as Ichigo was bracing himself for his next move, a voiced demanded in a rather calm, detached way, "What is the meaning of this?"
Ichigo whirled around surprised to see that behind the guard that had first approached him was the tall, elegant form of Kuchiki Byakuya. His haori and scarf swayed slightly under the caress of a light wind entering the area. His kenseikan gleamed underneath the sunlight. Slate gray eyes coolly surveyed the scene before them.
"Kuchiki-taichō, Sir," the first guard said, immediately inclining his head respectfully. The men behind Ichigo imitated him. "This man was loitering around the premises of the Sugawara Clan. He did not identify himself properly."
"That's not true, I told you I was a substitute Shinigami, and I was not loitering, I was just passing by," Ichigo said, shooting a glare at the guard. He wasn't about to admit he was technically dawdling a bit there. "Byakuya, would you please tell them that I'm a substitute Shinigami?"
Intent on glaring at the man, he failed to notice his or the other guardsmen's surprise at Ichigo's casual mentioning of Byakuya's name. The Sixth Division taichō did not speak to Ichigo nor did he direct his gaze towards him.
"So, this man has been disturbing the peace around the premises of the Sugawara Clan?"
The guard nodded.
"W-What? No, I wasn't. Byakuya, would you just tell them that I'm a substitute Shinigami?" Ichigo demanded exasperated.
Byakuya merely gave a curt nod to the guardsman, who then glanced at his companions. His comrades shifted their weapons at his look, preparing to take Ichigo into custody.
"There is no need to pretend you know Kuchiki-taichō personally," one of the men told him as he stepped forward.
"I'm not pretending. Byakuya!" Ichigo shouted, stepping backwards from the incoming guardsmen. He danced around the jabs and hands attempting to apprehend him.
"Byakuya!" Ichigo shouted again, as he twisted sideways avoiding an incoming prod. The guardsmen went past him and Ichigo quickly ducked another man's swing. Another man quickly grabbed him from behind and as Ichigo struggled with him, the other men surrounded him, holding their weapons at bay.
Damn you, Byakuya.
He couldn't believe this bastard was letting him get arrested. He had done no wrong. What the hell was this bastard's problem? Did he somehow find this amusing? Was this his idea of a joke? He was going to kick his ass once he got away from these idiots.
Ichigo suffered a whack to the side as he struggled to dislodge the man clinging to his shoulders. He stumbled and then with an almighty heave he catapulted his assailant toward the surrounding men. Shouts and groans erupted as the men fell and scrambled to get their bearings.
"Bakudō 1: Sai."
Feeling his arms constrict behind him as though being pulled by some unseen powerful force, Ichigo glanced at Byakuya in shock.
"That's enough. Allow me to take care of this miscreant. Although it would seem this kozō holds an interest in the Sugawara Clan, I think it would be best if the Gotei 13 handled this matter. The Gotei 13 cannot have someone ruining its integrity, and seeing as no actual violation occurred within the Sugawara grounds, I see no reason why this cannot be. I can assure you this kozō will be dealt with appropriately."
"Hai, Kuchiki-taichō," the main guardsman said, and with a nod to his men, they backed away from Ichigo.
"What's the big idea, Byakuya?" Ichigo said angrily, as he struggled with the invisible bonds holding his arms hostage.
The Sixth Division taichō said nothing, merely watched as the guardsmen strode away.
"Oi, I'm talking to you," Ichigo shouted, still struggling. The spell seemed far stronger than the one Rukia had used the day he had met her. Ichigo supposed it had to do with Byakuya's greater power or maybe it was just because he was tired. "Why'd you do this for? Why didn't you—"
"Silence," Byakuya said. "You are a fool, Kurosaki Ichigo. Did you honestly think your title as a substitute Shinigami meant anything in the Soul Society? The Gotei 13 may recognize your work in the World in the Living, but your title is absolutely meaningless, especially here. And what exactly are you doing here?" Byakuya directed his slate gaze upon Ichigo.
Ichigo did not fail to catch emphasis the ebony haired man had placed on the word 'here.' What was up with Byakuya? Substitute Shinigami title or not, he was acting as though Ichigo had committed some sort of crime by being here in the middle of street. Those guards had acted the same way. He didn't understand what the big deal was. It wasn't as though he was trespassing for Pete's sake. At any rate, after all he had been through just now he was not keen to elaborate on the real reason he had ventured into this area.
"I was just passing by," Ichigo explained, continuing to wrestle with the invisible force binding his arms.
"Passing by?" Byakuya repeated. "Is that so? Tell me, Kurosaki Ichigo, where exactly are you headed?"
Intent on freeing himself, Ichigo did not answer. He grimaced slightly, as he concentrated his strength and then with a sudden burst he broke free of the enchantment around his arms. He rubbed his wrists. "Nowhere in particular. Just decided to take a walk."
There was a moment's pause before Byakuya said, "There is no need to lie, Kurosaki Ichigo. The only reason you would venture to this part of the Seireitei is because you seek to speak with Rukia."
Suddenly remembering what might be the influence for Byakuya's actions, other than the permanent stick residing in his anal cavity, Ichigo felt his heart begin to race. "Actually, Byakuya…"
"The Kuchiki Manor lies east of here," Byakuya interrupted. "Come, Kurosaki Ichigo, I will spare further homes from being subjected to your presence. How you could think this residence compares to the Kuchiki Manor is beyond me. Perhaps, being in the proximity of so much grandeur has confused your senses, but there is no actual comparison."
Without another word, Byakuya glided forward. Ichigo watched as the nobleman walked several feet before turning around and lifting an elegant brow in a silent question of well what are you waiting for. Ichigo very much wanted to vacate the spot and be as far as possible from the nobleman despite his underlying desire to take a swipe at Byakuya for his insults, but he had the feeling he would not able to venture far without being ensnared by Kidō once more. Ichigo knew Byakuya was not leading him towards the Kuchiki Manor out of the hidden kindness within the depths of his aloof heart.
In his haste to keep running, he had failed to distinguish that he had crossed into the residential area of the Seireitei, failed to realize he was within close proximity of the Kuchiki residence….He didn't really remember the actual route to the Kuchiki Manor, but he did recall noticing how the residential area was quite a distance from the Gotei 13, how it differed….He could understand why Kuchiki Byakuya would think he had come here for Rukia. Knowing it was pointless to deny this, Ichigo reluctantly trailed after Byakuya.
The beauty and elegance of the Kuchiki Manor were undeniable. Every single fusama, tatami mat, shōji door, piece of furniture, and even the very air within the rooms radiated pure sophistication, true magnificence. Ichigo was sure the zabuton cushioning his behind was made from the finest cotton, contained the highest quality stuffing, and was dyed with carefully selected plants. It probably cost an absurd amount of money, like perhaps twenty times what his own bed cost.
The idea of sitting on such a lavish object stirred an incredible amount of discomfort in his chest despite his posterior's approval of the exquisitely soft and comfortable cushion. Merely being surrounded by so much opulence was enough to him feel like a fish out of water, except he did not feel like a dehydrated fish. Au contraire, he felt like a very damp, sweaty fish out of water. Not the best conditions to be in when visiting such a resplendent home.
When Rukia had first brought him here after they had returned from Shiba Kūkaku's dinner and she had reassured him that Unohana-taichō had discharged her to complete her recuperation in the comfort of her own home, he had been shocked to discover Rukia resided in such a luxurious residence.
He couldn't believe the midget, who had resided in his closet for two months, was actually used to living in the lap of luxury. She had acted rather smug and proud of her home when she had seen his surprised expression, even made a dig at his tiny closet and miniscule home. He had brushed off her comments by telling her that a midget like her couldn't possibly need a large mansion, that a closet was a better fit for her midget size, and even then it was easy to lose sight of her in it. That had earned several kicks and smacks. Eventually though once she calmed down, she admitted she hadn't always lived like this, that she had been adopted into the Kuchiki Clan by Byakuya nearly half a century ago due to his promise to his late wife, Rukia's older sister.
How strange to think that such a cold, impassive man actually had had a wife and had been honorable enough to fulfill his promise to his late wife…Perhaps, the latter wasn't entirely strange seeing as he had witnessed Byakuya's conviction to make sure Rukia's execution came to pass… If there's one thing Byakuya was keen on was following rules. How ironic though if Rukia had actually died whether by the Sōkyoku or Byakuya's own hands, then what was the point of taking her in? That would have been going against Rukia's sister's wishes. Ichigo was glad the man realized this in the end and helped protect Rukia against Ichimaru Gin.
Ichigo saw this as Byakuya's true redemption, the only reason Rukia should still maintain her relationship with him after all that happened...Rukia apparently understood all too well what dilemma had Byakuya faced. Ichigo, on the other hand, did not think he could ever truly understand how rules and the pride of the clan could hold more value over the life of your sibling, blood or adopted…
"Kurosaki Ichigo." Byakuya's voice interrupted his musings.
Ichigo looked up, slightly startled. The nobleman was seated on his own zabuton several feet directly across from him with his eyes closed. He hadn't heard the rustling of the shōji screen sliding open or the steps of the nobleman. Byakuya had stepped out momentarily, allowing Ichigo a short reprieve from the Kuchiki Clan head after the half hour trek to the manor. Ichigo had hoped Rukia had returned to the manor by now and that her brother was bringing her to the room, but she was nowhere in sight.
Before he could make a question if Rukia was within the manor, Byakuya asked point blank, "What are your intentions with Rukia?"
"Intentions?" Ichigo repeated blankly, feeling his heartbeat elevate. He knew full well some sort of conversation like this would arise, but he had hoped it could have been much later if at all.
Byakuya merely nodded.
"I just wanted to talk to her," Ichigo said, playing dumb and striving to maintain his voice as level as he could.
Slate grey eyes appeared, focusing their cool hawk like gaze upon him. An icy atmosphere enveloped the room.
"I do not mean at this moment, kozō. I meant in the future," Byakuya stated, his intonation deepening slightly, belying his annoyance at Ichigo's feigned ignorance. "What are your intentions regarding your relationship with Rukia?"
Ichigo felt his throat go dry. How was he supposed to answer that when he himself had never considered the possibility of his friendship with Rukia becoming more until a few days ago… He was saved from trying to filter the best response from his brain when Byakuya carried on.
"I do not know how the World of the Living deals with courtship, but here in the Seireitei amongst the nobility we observe the practice of omiai. A request for courtship must be made properly in order for a yuinō to be considered. As a member of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the great Four Noble Families of the Soul Society, Rukia's hand will be given to the man that adheres to the clan's iegara." Byakuya paused for a moment, letting the information sink in.
"Admittance to the Kuchiki Clan requires a reputable kettō something of which you are lacking. Your suitably is greatly diminished because of this. What makes you—"
"Don't you care about what Rukia wants?" Ichigo interrupted. "I get things are done differently than in the World of the Living, but you keep going on and on about what the clan wants. What about what she wants, what makes her happy? Doesn't that count at all?"
Byakuya stared at Ichigo. "Her opinion will be considered—"
"But it's the least important thing, right?" Ichigo said.
"Tell me, Kurosaki Ichigo, do you believe you are what Rukia wants, what makes her happy?"
A pink flush appeared on Ichigo's cheeks. He sat immobile for several moments before he managed a reply. "I-I don't know…." And then in a much more confident voice, he added, "Look, Byakuya, Rukia and I are nakama. I can't speak about the future right now…I—We have more important things to worry about at the moment, Aizen needs to be defeated. Until that happens I can't think of anything else."
Silence filled the room as Byakuya contemplated the information.
"I see. Kurosaki Ichigo, I expect you to undergo the omiai process the moment you desire to pursue a relationship beyond nakama with my imouto, is that understood? Rukia's honor as a noblewoman of the noble house of Kuchiki must be respected. I will not tolerate her fall into disgrace now that you are aware of this."
"I understand, Byakuya," Ichigo said in a serious tone, meeting the nobleman's gaze steadily.
Neither man spoke for several seconds as their gazes locked.
"Okay, now that we got this out of the way, where is Rukia? Is she even here?" Ichigo wondered, turning his head and glancing around the room.
"She is. I will call for her," Byakuya replied. He stood up, gracefully went to the shōji door, and called out to someone. A maid appeared, inclining her head respectfully and Byakuya uttered something to her. With another bow, she left and Byakuya reentered the room.
"She will be here shortly," Byakuya announced, before padding towards his seat.
Though his nerves had deflated now that the dreaded conversation was now over, Ichigo could not help but feel somewhat edgy. He had had enough of being around the nobleman. There was nothing else he wanted to speak to him about.
To his relief, Byakuya did not attempt to converse as they waited for Rukia's appearance. The air in the room, however, was quite stifling from the remaining tension lingering in the room.
After what seemed like an eternity to Ichigo, there was a soft tap and he turned to see the familiar silhouette of Rukia kneeled before the shōji door.
"You may enter, Rukia," Byakuya said.
The door slid open and Rukia said with her head inclined, "You requested my presence, Nii-sama?"
"I did. You have a guest, Rukia."
"A guest?" Rukia repeated as she raised her head. Her eyes widened. "Ichigo…"
"Yo, Rukia," Ichigo greeted her.
Rukia stood up and entered the room fully as Ichigo prepared himself to rise.
"I'll be taking my leave now," Byakuya said as he arose from his zabuton before Ichigo was completely on his feet. His sharp grey eyes zeroed in on Ichigo as he crossed the room; Ichigo returned his gaze. Rukia lowered her head in acceptance as the Kuchiki Clan head walked past her and slid open the door, but not before catching sight of the exchange between the males.
The room was silent as the two occupants waited for Byakuya's silhouette to disappear from view. Amber eyes silently glared at the nobleman until he was no longer visible.
"What are you doing here, Ichigo? You shouldn't have come. Nii-sama—"
"Doesn't want me around, I know," Ichigo said. Rukia drew her brows together, violet eyes glimmering questioningly at him but Ichigo continued with his explanation. "Figured I'd still drop by seeing as I had to make a quick getaway because of Kenpachi. I didn't mean to leave so suddenly. I felt bad running out on Mai and…you," Ichigo said truthfully. "I wasn't exactly sure when I'd get a chance to see you guys though with the way Kenpachi was chasing me, but I finally managed to lose him and I was able to make my way here."
Rukia stared at him curiously as though she didn't quite believe what he was saying. "Let me guess, you figured out Zaraki-taichō won't come near the residential area of the nobility."
"T-That's not it," Ichigo lied.
Rukia raised her eyebrows in a yeah-right gesture.
Ignoring her, Ichigo asked, "So, um, where is Mai?"
"Come, I'll take you to her. I suppose you do owe her some kind of apology with the abrupt way your sparring ended," Rukia said, recalling how the young woman had sounded disappointed.
She turned, opened the door, and stepped out with Ichigo following behind her. Once she closed the door, she turned to the left and started walking. Ichigo fell in step behind her. The scent of vanilla tinged with lavender entered his nose. Ichigo glanced at the source of the fresh, soothing scent. Rukia's skin seemed to radiate with a bright, lovely glow. Even the fabric of her Shihakushō appeared shinier than he remembered—crisp, midnight black against immaculate white…
She must have showered and changed after training, Ichigo realized.
Her cleanliness was yet another sharp reminder of his current state…
He wondered how long it would take to reach the area where Masaki was. He knew the land comprising the Kuchiki estate was enormous and that there were a myriad of buildings, some closer than others…Close in Kuchiki terms wasn't exactly relative to what a normal person would deem close as. The building they were currently in, which as far as Ichigo could tell was merely to receive guests or to discuss business, was located centrally in front of the guardhouses near the main gate. The walk to reach it, however, was quite long especially for someone that was tired as hell. Ichigo had felt as though he had to cross two soccer fields instead of one, which was probably the more accurate size; he had longed to flop himself onto the inviting beds of grass and flowers bordering the cobblestone path leading up to the building. The main residence where Rukia and Byakuya lived was behind the building they were currently in, but the gap between the buildings was huge like the size of a small park. And after that, the actual traversing of the buildings and interconnecting hallways that made up the main residence awaited them. He prayed that this additional workout wouldn't be too long…
As he shifted his gaze towards Rukia once more, he caught sight of Rukia's lips twitching into a grimace. It was gone before he could truly register what he had seen. Several moments later, he saw Rukia's lips twitch once more, a soft hiss issuing from them...He waited again and noticed the same result. What was wrong with her? His eyes immediately scanned the top of the raven-haired head bobbing below his shoulder down toward her neck, her torso, her legs. Several seconds later, he realized there was a slight limp in the way Rukia walked.
"Oi, Rukia, what happened?" Ichigo asked.
Violet eyes glanced at him.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, her brow creasing slightly.
"You're hurt," Ichigo said.
"I'm not hurt," Rukia said.
"Yes, you are, you're walking kinda funny…"
"I'm not hurt," Rukia repeated in a firm tone. "I'm just..sore."
"Sore?" Ichigo echoed.
"Yes, sore," she said rather impatiently. "Training was a bit more intense today, that's all. I'll be fine. It'll wear off tomorrow."
Ichigo continued to stare at her with his brow furrowed, looking concerned and thoughtful at the same time.
"You should worry about yourself. You look like you've been through hell, you can barely walk…"
"I'm sore too, but at least I can walk better than you can," Ichigo countered.
"As if, if I raced you right now, you'd fall on your face," Rukia said confidently.
"I'd take you up on the offer, but I wouldn't want you to end up crippled by overexerting yourself."
"You're just afraid to lose," Rukia said, smirking. "It's okay, I don't think I'd wanna bother calling a doctor to try and revive after you've had a heart attack."
"Tch. Whatever," Ichigo muttered, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head.
He was relieved there would be no racing.
A soft breeze ruffled Ichigo's hair as he walked towards two plum colored zabuton that were lying upon the veranda he was walking across. He did not see anyone, and the only noise he could make out was the light whistling of the breeze amongst the foliage bordering the veranda.
"Where is she?" Ichigo wondered, as he neared the zabuton.
He glanced to the left where he was met with the beautiful view of a garden filled with a wide variety of trees sporting fall colors, bushes, and plants. A pond situated near the center of the garden, glittered golden orange underneath the sun's fading rays. Sitting cross-legged several feet near the pond's edge was Masaki. Sunlight glinted off the crescent white moon pin securing her hair.
For several moments, Ichigo said nothing but then he called out to her, "Mai."
He stepped off the veranda and waited for her to turn around. When she did not, he walked forward and called out to her again. "Mai…"
She did not respond. As he neared her, he called out to her again but he received the same reaction.
Ichigo frowned, then suddenly looked conflicted as he seemed to consider something. "Ma," he started, sounding unsure as though a kid trying to sound out a new word they are reading. "s—"
Masaki suddenly turned around, amethyst eyes blinking as they took him in. Ichigo had the impression Masaki had been faraway several moments ago. Her expression was one of someone who had just awoken or had been pulled away from deep meditation. Across her lap was her white sheath, gleaming orange underneath the sunlight. Her hands rested against it.
"Kurosaki-san," Masaki greeted him, sounding surprised. "You're…"
"Here, yeah. Sorry about earlier," Ichigo said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Kenpachi just doesn't know the meaning of no. If I had stayed there I doubt the training grounds would still be standing." He then quickly added. "Rukia said she'd be back, she just had to take care of something."
"I see," Masaki said, as she rose to her feet. She dusted herself off and slipped her sheath into her sash at her waist. "You appear unscathed. It looks like you managed to keep yourself out of harm's way."
"Uh, yeah, I did," Ichigo admitted. "I'm not sure about the rest of the Seireitei though," he said, thinking back to all the Shinigami they had run into, everything that had been knocked over…
"Zaraki-taichō must be disappointed. He didn't get the fight he wanted with you or me," Masaki observed.
"His disappointment is the least of my worries. Not after all I've been through just to survive…Trust me, we're both better off staying clear of him."
"I don't know…I think it might have been interesting to fight him," Masaki said.
Incredulity erupted over Ichigo's face. "Interesting is not the word I would use to describe fighting Zaraki Kenpachi. That man is a monster…He's insane…He nearly killed me when we fought. I was lucky to have survived even though I lost…Don't tell me you would have actually gone through and fought him if you weren't going to train with Rukia?"
"Are you saying I wouldn't have been able to handle him?" Masaki asked calmly, raising an eyebrow.
"Fighting with him is like asking for a death sentence. No one is prepared to handle him…"
"This wouldn't have been the first time I've fought with someone from the Eleventh Division. I know how they are. I know how they like to make every fight, including sparring sessions to the death…" She paused. "I dislike that about them. There is no need to fight to the death when it's simply a sparring session. Both opponents can demonstrate their abilities and enjoy the fight without overstepping their limits and ending up at the Fourth Division. It's unfortunate that Kenpachi Zaraki would probably not enjoy fighting like that. It would have been interesting to fight an opponent like him…"
Masaki glanced out at the pond during the silence that followed. The sunlight reflected off the water mirrored the color of her hair and Ichigo's.
"You really like sparring, don't you?" Ichigo said quietly, a hint of amazement underlining his words.
Amethyst eyes turned towards him.
"I do," she affirmed. "Don't tell me, you don't?" There was a slight flicker of disbelief in her gaze and voice at the thought of him saying otherwise.
Ichigo hesitated, feeling something akin to guilt sweep into his chest though he was not sure why. All the times he had been looked down upon for not liking fighting, he had no problems dismissing his opponent's words. Fighting in order to prove his strength was not something he cared to do, he only did it to protect those he cared about.
"I've never just sparred just for fun…I've never had the time, I've always just trained and fought to get stronger in order to protect my friends and now to defeat Aizen."
"How long have you been a Shinigami?"
"Um," Ichigo said, as he looked thoughtful and began to count his fingers. "About six months now…Give or take; depending on whether you count the time I lost the powers Rukia gave me."
"I see."
There was a pause.
"Fighting for the sake of battle is quite different from fighting for the sake of improvement or enjoyment. Obviously, the pressure of surviving doesn't exist when you are simply sparring. You can just immerse yourself in the fight, allow yourself to enjoy the feel of the hilt in your hand"—her hand went over to her Zanpakutō's hilt—"the flow of the fight. Nothing else exists but your opponent…There's nothing like knowing you are seconds away from victory, especially when you've been fighting a difficult opponent. For me nothing beats sparring, I've always enjoyed it. "
"I know," Ichigo said. At her stare, he explained. "When our Zanpakutō clashed and Resonated, I saw…y-you and …m—your father…sparring. You were younger, I think still in the…Academy. Even though you were tired, you still wanted to continue sparring. You and your father would have probably continued fighting if R—I mean, your mother hadn't arrived. She wasn't happy you had been up late…"
Masaki's lips curved into a smile. "I see, so that's what Hyōketsu Kiri showed you."
"What do you mean? Didn't you know what memories your Zanpakutō was going to show me?"
"No, I didn't. The memories were aimed at you, not at me. Hyōketsu Kiri was the one who had the power to show them to you. She didn't want Resonance to occur when I asked her to do it. She preferred to fight against your Zangetsu without any type of interference that would ruin the fight. I only realized she finally caved to my demands when you appeared to be losing your concentration." She was quiet only for a moment before she returned to their original subject.
"Since the moment I first sparred with a bokken, I knew I liked sparring. Back in my Academy days, my mother always had problems with my father and I's late sparring sessions. She didn't like that I trained too much. My father, at first didn't like it either, but he eventually realized that I loved sparring for the sake of it. We always sparred every time I came home from the Academy, and that continued after I graduated and came back home, even after I became a fukutaichō… Friday had long since become our official sparring night though we'd try to spar during the other days as well if we could…We'd stay up all night sometimes, but by then my mother wouldn't say anything. She knew we wouldn't listen to her and hadn't been listening to her for years. She'd join us sometimes, but she preferred to leave us alone, she knew it was our thing."
"I always tried my best to beat him each time we sparred, but I never managed it. He never let me….T"—she hesitated slightly, directing her gaze towards the pond—"The last time I sparred with him was a while ago…"
The air suddenly seemed heavy with the unspoken uncertainty that she would ever have the opportunity to spar with her father again. Masaki turned from the pond and started to walk away. She now seemed much more interested in the plants of the garden.
"I'm sure you'll be able to spar someday with your father," Ichigo said, after several moments. "And even beat him too…You're pretty skilled." There was a pause. "You beat me today—"
"No, I didn't. Zaraki-taichō interrupted the fight."
Masaki 's back was turned to him. He could not see her expression.
"Even if he hadn't interrupted, it was basically over. The victory was yours. There was nothing—"
"I cannot accept that victory," Masaki interrupted, her voice ringing with finality. "Beating you is not the same…I shouldn't have thought that," she added the last part quietly to herself.
Ichigo silently watched as Masaki examined the various plants. He did not know what to else to say. He had known perhaps his words were of little comfort, but nonetheless he had felt the need to at least say them.
"Aren't these beautiful?" Masaki asked, finally breaking the silence. She was near the veranda now. She turned around and gestured to a group of blue violet flowers that were composed of six petals; three of them grew magnificently upward while the other three spiraled elegantly downwards. Masaki stooped low and ghosted her fingers over the petals.
Ichigo appeared behind her to take a better look at the flowers.
"Yeah, they are," Ichigo agreed. "It's nice to see flowers that are still in bloom during the fall."
"It is," Masaki agreed. "This is an iris."
"An iris?" Ichigo echoed and Masaki nodded.
"This is my division's insignia. It stands for courage."
"You mean a division insignia's is supposed to be a flower?" Ichigo asked. He vaguely remembered the Sixth Division's insignia resembling a flower but that's about it. He had never really glanced at it or any other insignia he had noticed with much interest.
"Hai," Masaki said. "They are supposed to be a representation of what the division stands for. In the Seventh Division, we value recruits who are courageous and loyal. The Eleventh Division, on other hand, just goes for strong fighters. Their flower, the yarrow, merely symbolizes fighting." She pointed across the garden towards a cluster of white flowers growing from ferns. Their ferns seemed to be well spread, making sure they took up most of their space. If any other species resided there, they were lost amidst the green foliage sprouting from them.
"Figures, they'd choose a plant like that," Ichigo said.
He wondered what division would possibly fit him best, what division had he joined…The Eleventh Division was not a division he'd willingly join. The Seventh Division did not seem to have bad ideals, but he did not think that he was a part of it. The Sixth Division was another division he would not care to join with Kuchiki Byakuya as its leader. The Thirteenth Division did not seem bad with Ukitake Jūshirō as the taichō…He did not know anything about the other divisions. Just as he was about to ask for information about the ideals of the Thirteenth and the others, Rukia appeared in the veranda with several servants. Two of them were carrying a low, handsome dark cherry wood oval table while another pushed a cart laden with food and two others carried lamps.
"Sorry, it took me a while to get everything ready. Are you guys hungry?" Rukia asked.
Without really waiting for a reply from the orange haired Shinigami, Rukia glanced at the servants. Immediately they bustled forward, dropping the table neatly in front of the zabuton already there and adding a third on the side. The lamps were quickly arranged to provide adequate illumination as plates clinked as they were deposited upon the table. Within minutes, the air quivered with delicious aromas emanating from the neatly arranged plates now covering the table.
"I figured we all could use some food after all we've been through today," Rukia said, once they were settled into their seats.
Rukia sat across Ichigo while Masaki sat on the zabuton placed on the side of the rounded edge of the table, where she had a direct view of the garden.
"It looks delicious, Kuchiki-san," Masaki said, as she eyed the dishes in front of her. There was a bowl for rice, another with Miso, and a plate with Yakizakana. "Itadakimasu," Masaki said, placing her hands on her lap.
"Yeah, it does," Ichigo agreed. "Itadakimasu."
Before eating, they wiped their hands on the hot towel used for cleaning next to their utensils. The sound of chopsticks moving filled the air for several minutes as they dug into their rice bowls.
"So, how was training?" Ichigo wondered, glancing from Rukia to Masaki.
"It was good," Masaki said, before scooping up some rice.
Rukia nodded in agreement. "It was."
"Towards the end Kuchiki-san nearly froze me completely when she used Hakuren to distract me in order to bind me with Rikujōkōrō."
"You did well in using your Reiatsu to reduce the damage and eventually break free."
"I almost landed on top of one of the icicles though. My shoulder still remembers the impact."
"Sounds like it was pretty intense," Ichigo said.
"It was the right level of intensity for a good workout," Masaki said.
Noticing how Masaki called it a 'workout', Ichigo said, "I take it that is how you usually train."
"Well, it depends on my schedule and who I'm training with," Masaki replied. "Normally, in the mornings I do a series of quick exercises to start off the day before I head into the office. Once I'm there, I might handle office duties all morning before holding group training sessions with my subordinates in the afternoon. Sometimes it's the opposite, but we don't always have group training sessions. Sometimes I just work individually with some division members or with the taichō himself. It's only until I'm done with my duties that I can train myself."
"What kind of office duties do you have to do?" Ichigo asked, curious.
"Paperwork," Rukia answered for Masaki, who was busy chewing her food. At Ichigo's confused look, Rukia elaborated. "Reports submitted by the division members are usually reviewed by seated officers and by the fukutaichō and taichō. They have to be verified and signed and an overall report has to be compiled for a mission or sector."
"You have to make a report about a report? That's ridiculous," Ichigo muttered.
"Besides reports, I also deal with authorization forms, transfer forms, retirement forms, and disciplinary forms. I also have to work with my seated officers in order to figure what's the best way to delegate missions and tasks. I also have to figure out when to schedule training sessions and our division's soccer games."
"You have soccer games?" Ichigo asked.
"Hai. Taichō started a five-man indoor soccer team decades ago in order to help build team skills and maintain the morale of the division. It grew so popular it expanded into our own league though sometimes we do organize games with other divisions if they have teams. We usually have games twice a month."
"You have to deal with all of that," Ichigo said surprised that there was so many tedious tasks that she had to contend with besides training and dealing with Hollows. The soccer thing didn't seem bad, but no wonder she looked forward to sparring. The idea of sitting in a desk reading endless boring reports did not sound appealing in the least.
"There are also fukutaichō meetings that I have to attend once a week, and there's also the Calligraphy Club."
"You're part of the Calligraphy Club?" Rukia said surprised.
Masaki nodded. "I'm the vice president."
"So that's why you were familiar with Nii-sama's calligraphy," Rukia said, violet eyes gleaming with realization.
"Don't tell me Byakuya is in the Calligraphy Club too?" Ichigo asked, lowering his chopsticks to his bowl.
"He's the president," Rukia informed him proudly. "Nii-sama is very skilled in calligraphy. He's been refining his technique for decades."
"I'll bet he has," Ichigo muttered. "How can you stand being in a club with him?" Ichigo asked Masaki. "I can just imagine what nonsense he goes on about the proper technique to do kanji…I would just drown myself in ink than hear him drone on and on…"
"Ichigo," Rukia said sharply, taking offense.
"What?" Ichigo said.
"You'd be lucky to ever receive instruction from Nii-sama. His technique is remarkable. I doubt your technique could even be a quarter as beautiful as Nii-sama's."
"The only technique that matters to be better at than Byakuya does not involve brushes, and I think I got that covered," Ichigo retorted.
Rukia glared at him while Masaki looked amused.
"I'm stuffed," Ichigo muttered, after finishing off the last morsel of his Mitarashi dango. He dropped the skewer where his dessert had previously resided onto an empty plate; it was the only plate in front of him, the servants had already cleared the rest when they brought dessert with green tea.
"Gochisōsama deshita, Kuchiki-san," Masaki said.
"I'm glad you enjoyed the meal." Rukia smiled at both Ichigo and Masaki as she deposited her own skewer onto her empty plate.
She reached for a cloth and dabbed at her mouth. Masaki was also doing the same.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back," Masaki said, a few moments later.
Rukia and Ichigo just nodded.
The sound of crickets punctuated the air as they watched Masaki leave. Ichigo glanced out into the garden area, noticing some of the plants glimmer underneath the moonlight but for the most part, he could no longer distinguish what plants lay out there. The pond's surface, however, sparkled like a beautiful dark opal within the midst of the garden. The evening air was cool.
His gaze returned to Rukia, who was sipping her tea. He reached for his own and took a sip of what remained in the cup.
"It's a nice evening, isn't it?' Rukia said quietly as she looked out into the garden.
"Yeah," Ichigo said quietly as he lowered his cup onto the table.
"It almost makes you forget what's happening out there," Rukia said.
Ichigo said nothing as he considered Rukia's words. Aizen had never really left his mind during the time they spent in Fake Karakura, but during these last few hours he had momentarily forgotten. It was all too easy to forget what was happening outside the Seireitei or the Fourth Division when he was preoccupied with other things.
It had been nice to have a real meal for once. He hadn't had one in who knows how long…Probably since before he embarked on his Hollow training with the Visored back in the World of the Living, back when he had actually been home to enjoy Yuzu's cooking. His chest squirmed uncomfortably as he realized he hadn't seen his imouto in quite some time…He hoped she and Karin were alright. He supposed his father had seen to it that they were safe.
Eating a meal was something so simple, so mundane, that he had never really thought much about it, but now he realized it was a luxury in the times they were living in, especially having a meal in the company of those close to you.
"Thank you for keeping your promise to Masaki. It was unfortunate that Zaraki-taichō interrupted, but I think Masaki overall was glad you sparred with her."
"She probably would have been happier if Kenpachi hadn't interrupted," Ichigo said.
"You could always spar again," Rukia pointed out.
"Maybe," Ichigo said, "but I don't think I'm the one she wants to spar against."
Rukia wrinkled her brow, confused, but before she could ask anything, a figure appeared in the garden.
"Ichigo, m'boy, I've been looking all over for you!"
"Oyaji!" Ichigo gasped, surprised to see Isshin standing there. He couldn't help but feel a ripple of shock shoot through him at seeing his father in a Shihakushō again.
"Do you have any idea how long it took to track you down? And this is where I end up finding you..." His eyes raked over the scene: the table, the dinnerware, the lamps providing sufficient but intimate lighting, the surrounding garden, and Rukia herself. "Oh, Rukia-chan, I'm sorry for the interruption, I had no idea you and my son where in the middle of…." Isshin's eyes suddenly widened, and then a rather manic triumphant expression came over him. "Why, Son, I never imagined you had it in you to plan such a romantic evening—"
Rukia turned red.
"Shut up, Oyaji, this isn't what you think," Ichigo said as he leapt from his seat and rushed towards Isshin.
"Now, now, Ichigo, there's nothing wrong with admitting you and Rukia were on a date."
There was a loud, smacking noise as Ichigo kicked Isshin in his face. Isshin rolled backwards from the force, but managed to pull himself into a crouch. He rubbed his face gingerly as he rose.
"We're not on a date. How the hell did you even get past the guards?" Ichigo demanded.
"I have my ways," Isshin said mysteriously. "Hmm. Now that I think about, of course, you wouldn't be able to plan something like this…This is Rukia-chan's house, so that means Rukia-chan was the one who set this up. Ooh, Rukia-chan—"
Ichigo aimed another kick at Isshin but this time the elder Kurosaki ducked and rolled out of the way.
"Wow, Son, you seem to have lost your touch. Must be because of your nerves…"
Whirling around, Ichigo landed a kick that sent Isshin crashing atop the veranda, fifteen feet from where Rukia was.
"Cup the crap, Oyaji. Why were you really looking for me?" Ichigo asked.
Isshin merely groaned remaining on the floor for several moments with his eyes closed. Feeling a shadow fall over him, he opened his eyes. He froze as he stared at the young Shinigami woman peering down at him.
She had violet eyes that were remarkably like Rukia's and orange hair, that even underneath the lamplight, was unmistakably sunset orange like Ichigo's. Chin length bangs framed her face. The pair of thin, stray strands that hung over her eyes dangled as she looked down upon him. There was something oddly familiar about the shape of her face…
Isshin was on his feet in an instant.
"And who might you be?"
Quick Glossary
Sekkiseki (spirit reducing stone)- Stone surrounding the Seireitei that repels reiryoku (spirit energy).
Shakonmaku (soul warding membrane)- the reishi barrier surrounding the Seireitei. Essentially the Sekkiseki's repelling power around the Seireitei in the shape of a barrier.
Senzaikyū (Palace of remorseful sin)-
Jinbaori- a type of haori that is short and sleeveless that high-ranking Samurai would wear over their armor. Chōjirō dons one over his uniform.
Kosode- black shirt of the Shinigami uniform
Kozō- brat/boy
Zabuton- sitting cushion
Au contraire (for those that aren't used to this expression, which is used in English)- French for on the contrary
Nii-san- older brother
Nee-san- older sister
Fusama- rectangular panels that can serve as either doors or sliding doors like shoji, but they are painted and have a lattice like structure underneath the cloth or paper on both sides.
Omiai(lit. looking at one another)- matchmaking process used for individuals to find a partner to marry. This is what Westerners consider an arranged marriage, but it is a courtship process (they meet and date) and the possibility of denying the request does exist. Perhaps, in the past, the refusal (Kotowari) wasn't used all too often because of family obligations but nowadays it is used. A small percentage of people in modern day Japan still find their spouse this way (either they or their family initiate this process).
Yuinō- engagement
Iegara- criteria that determines the suitability and the balance of the marriage
Kettō-bloodline or lineage
Imouto-younger sister
Nakama- friends/comrades
Bokken- wooden sword
Hai- yes
Yakizakana- flame grilled fish served with daikon
Itadakimasu- lit. means "I receive" It is customary to say this before you eat and after complimenting the host's meal.
Rikujōkōrō (Bakudō 61 Six –Staff Light Prison)- six wide beams of light that are placed in the opponents mid section to hold them in place.
Reiatsu- spiritual pressure
Mitarashi dango- Japanese dumplings covered with syrup made from soy sauce, sugar, and starch and placed on a skewer (3-5 dumplings).
Gochisōsama deshita- lit. "It was a feast" customary to say after a meal to thank the host.
Oyaji- informal way of saying dad/old man
Otou-san- father
Shihakushō- shinigami uniform
AN: I did research to see what flowers bloom during the fall, and for both the iris and yarrow flowers there are species that bloom in the fall. For the iris, I would have like to say it was an Iris ensata (Japanese iris) which is quite beautiful (all irises are really) and is used around ponds, but unfortunately does not seem to bloom in the fall; only the species of the bearded iris do (Iris ensata is a beardless type). Either way, let's just say the Kuchiki gardeners are really apt at bringing out the best of the flowers to make them last longer ;)
I have to point out that I mentioned that Rukia was adopted into the Kuchiki Clan 49 years ago instead of 40 because Kubo made a mistake saying that it was 40 years after she was adopted that she was assigned to Karakura in Chapter 0: Side B the Rotator. The discrepancy is small 9 years off, but it's there (I will be changing chapter 8's mentioning of this fact later).
Kubo had already previously stated in other chapters that (Keep in mind this is not counting the timeskip of current manga chapters):
55 years ago Hisana and Byakuya married.
5 years after (aka 50 years from current time line)- Hisana died
49 years ago-Byakuya becomes captain, finds Rukia and adopts her