Pre-Note
Update as of September 23rd, 2022: Hi, so there's this rumor going around that this site is glitching/going to go down so I'm in the process of moving the updated chapters here onto AO3 so that they're still available to you until my next update IN CASE anything happens! It will be under the user NairaRains on there in case anything happens. I just wanted to alert the remaining people who still read it in case something happens. I still will update on this site so long it is here as this is the main one.
Warning: This story contains mature themes that might not appeal to certain audiences. As this is also a mystery story, it will require attentiveness to detail and full reading to understand everything. Though the synopsis seems quite simple, the entire story actually follows a mystery of who is what and what is what so don't be fooled by the first few chapters. Sexual themes are also involved though are touched upon lightly. Romance is involved though again, given the nature of the story it is touched upon in a more light manner.
Do not read if you're interested solely in the romance. There is a bigger plot here to this which combines many themes, it is a mystery plot!
Earlier chapters will come off as corny and expected but the real beginning starts midway so it can't be helped. Also, I started this in 2016 so naturally writing has changed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. This is for creative purposes. I do own this plot and no, please don't repost this story elsewhere.
Prologue
The moon.
White and beautifully embodied as a sphere that guides the night sky.
The creator of dark dreams and dreams that resemble the daytime.
The observer of souls and the pride of the sun.
A beautiful masterpiece, who's story just begun.
The night was calm, calmer than others as the beautiful white sphere acted like the guard of the sky. Wind whistled in the night, resembling the cries of lost souls as it whisked through the paths and trees of the Soul Society. The atmosphere felt bitter, almost as if the Soul Society was ringed with a fence of frozen ice—pinching on any bared skin to barrage with a frostbite. There was no doubt that the Soul Society was getting colder and colder as days passed. The Seireitei itself felt like a mass avalanche of arctic air, numbing the skin and piercing the air.
The Gotei 13 were finally at rest, as the Seireitei began engulfed with a new found coldness that lurked in every corner. Skin began to pierce in fear as beautiful lines of thin ice crawled up legs, uniting the two parts as one. Modifying their temperature as they sliced each piece of skin, devouring the flesh in the process. Screams of terror and the absence of warmth roared in the Seireitei, soul reapers cried for help as these beautiful blue lines of ice devoured their very being. Blood splashed like paint as the guards of the Seireitei laid in an endless pool of blood.
Through the shadows, a faint laughter was heard. His steps were calm and short, and clicked because of the heel on his shoes as he walked towards the dozen heartless bodies who had no chance of resurrection.
A path of ice forged beneath him, creating a carpet of ice formed by his reiatsu. The very presence of him was cold, shivering and devious like a snake—not even the heartless corpses could withstand his eerie demeanor.
His black hair brushed with the wind, as the long strands covering his face moved slightly with it. His eyes looked bitter, resembling a variety of blue; correspondent to the bluish colour of indigo and the compelling colour of electric blue. The skin sheltering his body mirrored the appearance of numbed skin. It was pale and distinct from any other type of skin.
The tip of his finger suddenly curved to write the word 'rise' causing ice to arise from the grounds of the Seireitei. An array of ice structures grew instantly at the sound of his command, blocking passageways and doors as it obstructed anything that came into it's path. Ice slithered onto the walls, eclipsing anything they could feel or reach in their sight.
He was finally back in the Seireitei to take what had always been his and only his from the person who he was dearly connected to by heart.
"Well, well, well, the time has come Rukia." He murmured to himself. "Your wish is my command."
The cold air swiftly consuming the Seireitei was quickly making it's way through the Kuchiki Manor.
The candles lit for Hisana were slowly being extinguished as the cold air found a way to slip into Byakuya's room. The scent of the smothered fire broke his concentration. He stared at the candles, curious of why the candles would smother on it's own. His eyes slowly landed on the picture of Hisana, staring before a draft of cold air caught his attention.
Leaving his room, he headed towards Rukia's room—thinking it may be her reiatsu. As he opened the door, he stared down at her as she prepared for bed.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia called, surprised. Her uniform had been replaced with her white robe and was neatly folded in her hands as her knees remained bent in front of the chair she had planned on putting it on.
"Rukia." He replied as he saw Sode No Shirayuki placed in the corner. He stared at her quietly as he tried to understand, sensing no reiatsu coming from her at all, at least, not enough to dispense such cold air into every room.
"Is something wrong?" Rukia asked as Byakuya stared at her.
"Follow me." Byakuya instructed as he turned his back and began to walk.
Rukia nodded her head before joining him in his room. Suddenly, the force of cold air quickly immersed her atmosphere. The cold rush of air coursed through her veins, causing her to shiver uncontrollably as she fully entered Byakuya's room. Byakuya quickly gave her a red blanket to warm her up before receiving his own.
"W—Why i-is it s-so -c-cold?" Rukia questioned as her teeth chattered. The blanket Byakuya gave her had little to zero effect on her as her skin slowly began to feel like ice. Rukia pushed her arms and legs together to preserve heat as the room got colder. Usually, she didn't get cold easily but this? This was something else.
A jigokuchō suddenly appeared through the doorway, landing on Byakuya's extended index finger to receive the message. As the butterfly flew away, Rukia stared at him—waiting for him to speak. "The Head Captain has requested we stay in our rooms until further notice."
"What?" Rukia asked, a dramatic change in temperature couldn't be that big of a deal, right? "What's...wrong?"
"We will remain here until further notice."
That wasn't answering her question.
Rukia thought. "The temperature going down shouldn't be a big deal, why is he so..."
By the time Rukia finished her question, Byakuya had left and returned. A maid set some warm rations down as the fireplace was lit.
Rukia's response resembled her face of shock at the display, still not getting the sense of urgency.
"Did he say something?" Rukia inquired.
"Until further notice we must take precaution." Byakuya answered.
Rukia nodded her head before kneeling beside Byakuya in front of fire. She took small glances at him while he drank his tea, not even she could tell if he was freezing just like her.
"Rukia," Byakuya said.
"Huh? Yes, Nii-sama?" Rukia answered.
"Do not get distracted by your thoughts."
"Right, I apologize Nii-sama." Rukia said before looking away.
Her eyes fell on the fire as she fell victim to her thoughts.
"Matsumoto!" Captain Hitsugaya called in search of his Lieutenant. "Matsumoto! Where are you?"
The order made by Head Captain Yamamoto had instantly spread around the Seireitei. All of the Gotei 13 were ordered to take precaution until further notice. As the strange climate was being consulted by Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri, Captains were promptly notifying their division of the matter and the possible chance of a ryoka in the Seireitei.
Captain Hitsugaya was mildly affected by the cold, using his reiatsu to relocate the strong winds to avoid freezing. His Lieutenant, on the other hand was unable to use her reiatsu to shield herself from the impending wind.
As he searched his office, he found traces of her reiatsu left on almost every corner of his office. He presumed it was the sake that caused his Lieutenant to be so energized in his office. Especially since he had left her with a mountain of paperwork to do.
"Matsumoto!" He called again. He was sure that she was still here. His eyes suddenly landed on his Lieutenant, sleeping peacefully with the pile of papers he had given her left untouched.
His worry for her suddenly disappeared and was replaced by fuming anger of her uncompleted work.
"Matsumoto!" His voice hollered at his Lieutenant.
Her body srose up in a surprise, "Captain!" She whined. "I was in the middle of a very interesting dream!"
"I'm afraid your dream has no concern to me." Captain Hitsugaya replied. "Why isn't the paperwork done? I specifically told you to finish those stacks and put them on the shelf."
"You told me that?" Rangiku replied in a daze. Surely she should've remembered if he did, the last thing she remembered was her Captain walking out of the door—no words, no goodbyes, nothing.
He sighed, he wasn't in the mood to perform his usual arguments with his Lieutenant about uncompleted work. Instead, he regained his posture and spoke in a serious tone to gain her attention. "Never mind, that's not the point. We've received orders from Head Captain Yamamoto. There has been a suspicion of a ryoka patrolling the area and affecting our change in climate. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet however, we've been told to take precaution and stay as warm as possible until further notice."
Lieutenant Matsumoto looked at her Captain as she reviewed what he said. "Now that you mention it, it's awfully cold in here—thought it was your reiatsu going off again."
"I'm afraid not, until further notice I've called all members of the 10th Division to meet here in my office until further instructions. Matsumoto, I'm ordering you to get rations and blankets to support us for the rest of the night." Captain Hitsugaya ordered as he stared at his window. Even he could feel the coldness sweeping in through the window and the layers of ice mantled on almost everything in the Seireitei.
"Right, I won't let you down Captain." Rangiku said before using her flash step to disappear from Hitsugaya's office.
As the 10th Division huddled in Captain Hitsugaya's office for warmth, the 11th Division's barracks were doing the exact opposite of orders. Captain Zaraki Kenpachi had strictly ordered his men to engage in direct combat with the ryoka. He ordered his 3rd and 5th seat officers—Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika—to lead the 11th Division in their task to find the ryoka.
"Alright men, keep your eyes awake—if you see movement, attack—if you hear breathing, attack—if you see a shadow, attack—if you sense reiatsu, attack. We are representing Captain Zaraki, we must not let any Division neglect us and our skills." 3rd seat, Madarame Ikkaku said as he scoped the area of structured ice.
"Now, now calm down Ikkaku—we're not even suppose to be out here, I doubt any Captain is contrary enough to disobey direct orders from the Head Captain. I'm sure our Division will be given accord for our bravery and capture of this ryoka." 5th seat, Ayasegawa Yumichika responded to his partner as they walked side by side to investigate.
"We should capture it in no time, this ryoka doesn't seem all that strong. I mean, ice? Who could possibly overrule the Soul Society with such a weak power." Ikkaku said as he looked at the layers of ice consuming the Seireitei.
Men from the 11th Division definitely shared the same instinct like their Captain. It was only natural after being under him for such a long while. However, the passion Ikkaku and Yumichika shared about this instinct was more prevailing than any member of the 11th Division. Ikkaku found honor—indulgence in battle. In fact, he could easily plunge into battle without worrying about his opponent's strengths or weaknesses. Yumichika, on the other hand was more insightful of his opponent's methods and cared deeply about what his Captain thought of him.
The passion of battle coursing through their veins was quite unlike others. In fact, both Ikkaku and Yumichika refused to wear something to keep them warm as they departed from their barrack—much to their Division's dismay. As they strolled down the icy pathway, Ikkaku nor Yumichika would never dare to admit if they were cold. Even if they were, they would use their honor as their warmth to help them proceed in a successful battle.
"Man, how long is this path?" Ikkaku whined as the clear pathway of ice seemed to never end.
"Be patient, Ikkaku—I'm sure we'll find something if we continue to walk." Yumichika replied.
"This ice is a real pain in the ass, we can't even run on it without slipping." Ikkaku complained as he noticed how slow the Division was walking.
"As painful as it may be, I must admit this ryoka has quite a beautiful power." Yumichika said, staring at his reflection through the crystal path. The ice enclosing them was not only sharp, but mirrored a person's reflection perfectly. Even Ikkaku's shiny bald head sparkled from the moonlight and the ice reflection.
"Ikkaku! Yumichika! Look!" Yelled a member of their Division as his eyes traveled straight ahead. The seated officers glanced in the direction of their member's finger, only to be greeted with dozens of heartless corpses.
"What the hell is this?"
"It doesn't look like Captain Kuchiki is coming." Noted a member of the 6th Division as he shivered uncontrollably in his uniform.
All Divisions were reported to stay in their barracks until further instructions under Head Captain Yamamoto. In addition to that order, Captains were ordered to remain in their Division's barracks to receive information about a possibility of a ryoka and battle.
Abarai Renji, Lieutenant of the 6th Division turned to face his fellow subordinates. "Captain Kuchiki must've been ordered to stay in the Kuchiki Manor until further notice. He has Rukia with him, so I doubt he'll leave the Manor until official orders are issued."
"What are we suppose to do without Captain Kuchiki?" Asked another member who was covered in layers of blankets to create warmth.
"What do you mean? We were ordered to stay in our barracks and keep warm until news arrived. Captain Ukitake sent some rations and blankets to keep us warm due to Captain Kuchiki's absence. We'll be fine without him." Renji replied as a burgundy blanket, similar to his headband covered his body as he sat down.
With no direct orders, all he could do was sit and wait. Although, he knew he rather be outside confronting the ryoka instead of watching all this damage be inflicted on the Seiretei. There was no doubt that the ice had an extensive effect on the Seiretei. In fact, it was almost like the Seireitei was already half destroyed with the ryoka's ice.
Captain Unohana had specifically told the Head Captain about the possibility of everyone freezing to death because of the decreased temperature, followed by the illnesses everyone could face if they stayed too long. With that in mind, the Head Captain made his order to keep everyone inside to avoid hypothermia.
The Lieutenant was rendered useless in his current position and resorted to tea to keep him warm and occupied. He even fell back on calligraphy to keep his mind at ease until time passed. He needed someone to talk to—he thought of Rukia but then realized the situation threw that option out of the window.
Captain Kuchiki didn't seem like he was leaving his Manor anytime soon. And if he was, he'd probably bring Rukia with him as well. Renji realized he was hopeless, not even the chatter of his own subordinates could make up for his loneliness.
The corpses laid without a heart, frozen.
Their hearts had been slit and throw out. Lines of ice roamed deep beneath their skin but glimmered at the very top of it. They had eaten their flesh, devouring them from the inside. Their faces were numb, tinged with blue, the horror practically frozen on their faces, almost indescribable through the eyes of the 11th Division who discovered them.
"The ryoka did this?!" A member of the Division reacted in fear. The entire division's skin crawled as they stared at the pool of soul reaper they knew.
"M-Madarame, we should leave—tell Captain Zaraki we need more guys on the job." Another member said as they stared at the bodies.
"It's not safe!" Repeated another.
"We'll die if we continue!" Another said.
"We haven't even seen the ryoka yet. I'm not leaving until we get a decent look at the creep." Ikkaku said as he calmly strolled past the dozens of bodies.
"How brutal, this ryoka sure seems like the type to fight without their hands." Yumichika observed. "However, they do seem to fight beautifully with those lines of ice."
"I don't care whether he fights merciless or beautifully, I'll tear him apart with Hōzukimaru." Ikkaku said as he made a left turn. Suddenly, a dominant reiatsu was felt roaming the skies. Both Ikkaku and Yumichika stopped, as the reiatsu resembled the pressure of ten Captains merged into one.
Suddenly the presence of a man appeared in the skies, falling delicately to reach the grounds to face Ikkaku and the 11th Division. His very presence was icy and cold, even Ikkaku and Yumichika could feel the force of the wind as it brushed through them. Some men went flying with the wind, yelling for help as the impending wind unleashed lines of ice—which quickly slithered on their bodies.
Ikkaku and Yumichika used their reiatsu to avoid them from being blown away. Ikkaku smiled at his new daring opponent, who seemed quite full of himself as he gazed with his indigo-coloured eyes.
"Who the hell are you?" Ikkaku asked as he pulled out his zanpakutō in preparation for a battle.
Yumichika stared at the ryoka, developing a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. If it wasn't for the sake of the 11th Division's honor, Yumichika would've immediately warned Ikkaku to retreat. However, Ikkaku was stubborn and would never run away from a battle. Yumichika's words would've been useless regardless of the situation.
"Are you short of hearing or what? I asked, who the hell are you?" Ikkaku voiced again.
The ryoka remained silent as the wind conceived by his reiatsu lightly brisked through his dark tresses as he smirked at Ikkaku. "So you don't wanna answer, fine by me."
In seconds, Ikkaku leaped in the air—charging at the ryoka with no strategy at all.
"Grow Hōzukimaru." Ikkaku said as he attacked the ryoka who casually blocked Ikkaku's impending attacks with his right arm. The determined Ikkaku continued to attack the unnamed ryoka as he attempted to wound his shoulder. However, his attack was countered and by the rise of the unnamed ryoka's hand, a strong and unbearable force of cold air headed towards Ikkaku. The lines of ice unleashed themselves quickly to grab Ikkaku's hand.
"Bloom, Fuji Kujaku." Yumichika commanded.
Using his zanpakutō, Yumichika sliced the lines of ice before they could reach Ikkaku. The unnamed ryoka smirked immediately at Yumichika's bravery as the lines of ice regenerated into one again. Yumichika's eyes widen as the lines of ice movements became faster. Ikkaku used his Hōzukimaru to chop the lines of ice once again, causing Yumichika to release a breath of relief.
Ikkaku stared at the unnamed ryoka as he continued to stare at them with the same expression.
"I must admit, you have quite a beautiful technique. However, your attacks are ugly and for that very reason I cannot spare your life." Yumichika said before charging towards the ryoka. Using Fuji Kujaku, Yumichika continued to attack with his four blades, storming with power to attack the unnamed ryoka.
The unnamed ryoka used his right arm as his sword and shield, barely getting affected by the sharp end of Yumichika's sword. In one swing, Yumichika's attack was countered like Ikkaku and was pushed away by the dominant force of the unnamed ryoka's cold wind. The lines of ice unleashed themselves again, charging at Yumichika with triple the speed it had before.
As the remaining 11th Division began charging at the ryoka, each and every one of them collapsed before they could make contact with the ryoka. The reiatsu he harbored was too cold for them to handle. Causing each of them to collapse on their knees and faint to feel the frigidness of the ice beneath them. Yumichika felt the lines of ice make collision with his already numbed skin. The lines of ice began pushing their way into Yumichika's skin, causing his eyes to widen as he felt his flesh being pinched by the ice.
"Yumichika!" Ikkaku called as he watched the lines of ice slither onto Yumichika's skin.
"Bastard." Ikkaku muttered under his breath as he stared at the man in demand of his name. The same smirk tugged on his lips as his indigo eyes mirrored the sphere of the moon, staring deeply into the depths of Ikkaku's soul.
"I'm going to ask you again, what the hell is your name?" Ikkaku yelled as he charged again with Hōzukimaru. He continued to use each end of his sword as he asked for his opponent's name. His bald head glimmered in satisfaction as he felt a rush of energy overcome him.
Ikkaku laughed continuously as he proceeded to attack the ryoka. The unnamed ryoka remained as emotionless as his ice as he continued to dodge Ikkaku's attacks.
"Have you had enough?" Ikkaku laughed as he attacked like a wild man.
Yumichika grunted in pain as he stabbed his hand with Fuji Kujaku. The lines of ice shattered once again, allowing Yumichika to take the chance to breathe. He stared at Ikkaku as the ryoka continued to elude his attacks. "Ikkaku!"
Yumichika's eyes widened as he sensed the strategy the ryoka was plotting. The ryoka evaded all of Ikkaku's attacks before unleashing his reiatsu. Suddenly, the structures of ice surrounding Yumichika and Ikkaku began to unleash lines of ice. The ground made up of thin ice suddenly emerged with lines of glimmering ice—clutching Yumichika's skin and invading his body.
As his cold reiatsu released itself, Ikkaku's legs began to shiver from the cold. His whole body suddenly felt overwhelmed by the coldness, which eventually crumbled him to this feet. As his body became nonreactive, Ikkaku could feel his adrenaline decreasing.
"What the hell is going on?!" He asked.
Ikkaku's eyes widened as his body crumbled to the floor, eventually being captured by the lines of ice. He was experiencing stages of hypothermia—his body couldn't withstand the pressure of the cold, rendering his body useless. As the image of the ryoka began to fade, Ikkaku's heavy eyes forced themselves shut as he laid their paralyzed.
The man known as the ryoka stared in pleasure of his defeat—smirking insidiously as structures of thick ice rose behind him like towers. He could feel the chill soaring through the air, he could sense the defeat of soul reapers—the revolution he and his beloved would conduct and share. It was not too long until he and his beloved would finally come face to face and uphold a revolution that would change the Soul Society for good.
Slowly, Ikkaku forced his eyes open—desperate to see one last look at the ryoka.
"You said earlier that you wanted to know my name. Since you're on the verge of death I might as well make you feel honored to die knowing my name."
Ikkaku struggled to keep his eyes open as he fought to move his body. The very presence of the man before him made him feel like his bones were about to shatter—break like weak twigs on a tree. As he tried to keep his ears alive for a moment to hear the ryoka's name, he collapsed weakly onto the ground, only hearing a faint voice saying a name.
"My name is Mizuri Jūshirmai."
End Note
Before I begin this introductory author's note, I'd like to highlight the fact that this IS an arc based on Kuchiki Rukia but it is not an arc solely based on her alone. I've created this arc for creative purposes only that are connected to the Soul Society's history including its creation and Rukia in addition to character developments for some main characters like Kurosaki Ichigo, Inoue Orihime, Sado Yasutora etc.
This arc will include a lot of elements that will dwell on the Soul Society's creation and past. At times, it will hit borderline alternative universe however, this is just for fun—based on my alternative timeline regarding the Soul Society and Rukia!
(1): Please be aware that this arc will include spoilers from The Thousand Year Blood War Arc from the Bleach Manga (power-wise and extended abilities).
(2): For the sole purpose of allowing you to have a clear perception in mind of the scenery, weaponry, clothing etc. from TIM, on each chapter (when necessary) Images For This Chapter will be available on byaruki (tumblr) where you can click The Iced Moon Arc to access the images (byaruki.(tumblr.)com/theicedmoonimages)
Contact 🌙
byaruki / tumblr