Disclaimer. Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo. Kyunei is my own OC.

PRE CHAPTER: A LINGERING PROMISE

Kyunei sat at the end of the riverbed in middle Rukongai. People walked to and fro, paying her no mind. Merchants called out, scuffles happened…yet Kyunei was oblivious to it all. She crouched on the grass, peering into the water, watching her reflection ripple.

A black swallowtail butterfly fluttered in front of her face, causing her to lean back slightly. Kyunei had shoulder length dark blue almost black hair and thoughtful green eyes. She stared at the butterfly fell into the water and floundered about.

She reached out, scooping a hand into the water and rescuing it. Watching the swallowtail flutter it's wings weakly, Kyunei deigned to blow on it, trying to dry it.

A passing duo of woman stopped in the streets above the riverbank, whispering to each other.

"There's that girl again. Always staring off into nothing."

"She creeps me out. And what's with her fascination with insects?"

Kyunei ignored them, continuing to blow on the butterfly's wings. She smiled slightly with satisfaction at seeing it's antennae perk up, then flit off her hands into the sky. A voice sounded behind her, warm and gentle.

"I am sure that Swallowtail is grateful you saved it."

Like a complete 360 Kyunei animated into a joyous girl.

"Brother!"

She turned around, nearly tripping in her rush to stand up and hug Ryou Hanahuni.

He was much older, already showing signs of a beard. He hugged her small frame, kneeling down and rubbing the top of her hair.

"Have you been good while I was away?"

Kyunei nodded.

"Yes brother! I stayed here the whole time!"

Ryou rustled in his pocket, pulling out a half smushed steamed bun.

"Here. I managed to get this for my work at the shop. It is meager, but I saved it for you!"

Kyunei shook her head and crossed her arms.

"I don't want it! Brother worked hard today! He should have it instead!"

Ryou let out an exasperated sigh.

"Kyu…I saved it for you. I know you're hungry."

"Nu-uh!"

Grooowwll…

Kyunei stuck her lower lip out in a pout. Ryou chuckled, once again offering the smushed steam bun.

"Your tummy says otherwise."

Pouting, Kyunei took the steamed bun and bit into it. Her eyes lit up, and she beamed.

"It's tasty!"

Ryou chuckled, pleased.

"Of course it is. I saved it just for you. It has to be tasty for my only sister."

Kyunei just started scarfing it down, licking her lips. Ryou watched her fondly. But in his mind, worry filled him. More souls were starting to enter this district, and some of the fights that had broken out were things children shouldn't see. Sooner or later…he might be targeted himself, having a small amount of spiritual pressure already made others who didn't have them jealous.

"Brother? You have that look again."

Ryou snapped out of his thoughts, smiling down at her.

"It's nothing. Let's go home. It's getting late."

Kyunei once again pouted.

"But the dragonflies always come out at this time! I wanna chase them!"

Ryou bit his lip. He glanced behind him, worried. He saw someone swiftly disappear out of sight. Recently someone had been following him. Someone that clearly radiated an intent to hurt. Ryou scooped Kyunei into his arms, heading the long way back to their hut.

"You can chase them tomorrow. Come on."

Kyunei laid her head into his chest, heaving a sigh.

"Okay…promise I can chase them tomorrow?"

"Promise."

—

That promise never came. Ryou had left early for work, and was beaten to death on the street close to their hut. Kyunei had laid over her brother's corpse and cried bitterly. No one was surprised or helped. Things like this happened a lot.

Ever since that day, as Kyunei grew up, she retreated into herself. She hardly spoke, and when she did it was filled with silent bitterness.

Standing over her brother's grave one day, Kyunei placed flowers down and knelt, praying.

"Dear brother. I'll get a job too. I'll raise money to join the academy. I'll become a shinigami. I'll show Rukongai why they should've left us alone. Silent, but precise. Deadly stings, quiet persistence. That shall be what I live by. I promise brother. Your death will not be in vain. I will make you…"

Her vision blurred, teardrops falling onto the delicate petals of the flowers she laid across his grave.

"I will make you proud. I promise."

END OF PRE CHAPTER