Chapter 2: Byakuya
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(Hopefully, this chapter will be a little longer than the last one. In any case, this is where we really start to kick things off. No point in delaying it anymore. Let's just get right into the story!)
A few days had passed since Yoruichi had left for the World of the Living and Soifon was currently in her Division's training grounds, punching the air in rhythm, her captain's haori hanging from a nearby dummy. Sweat coated her skin and her breathing had synchronized with her movement, allowing her to punch more efficiently. Once she had reached her 100,000th punch, she drew in a deep breath and allowed her arms to drop to her sides. She focused on the Reiryoku swirling around her body and willed it to seep back within her. She exhaled softly and opened her eyes while shouting "Shunko!"
At once, her wind-like Reiryoku flushed out from her exposed shoulders and arms, blowing in all directions from Soifon. The dummy holding her haori was knocked down, the haori itself being blown all the way to the edge of the training ground. Her two hair braids danced madly behind her head, the two rings clinking together. After a minute or so of gauging its power, Soifon disengaged her Shunko with a sigh.
"Dammit!" She cursed beneath her breath. "It's still not good enough! At this rate, I'll never surpass Yoruichi!" She gritted her teeth as she recalled the moment in their battle when Yoruichi revealed the truth about the power that Soifon herself had just discovered. To think that all this time, the technique she had crafted herself already had a former master and a name. Of all the indignities Soifon had ever had to suffer in her life, that might have been the biggest.
And she couldn't let it stand.
"No matter," Soifon wiped the sweat from her brow and looked around for her missing haori. Upon finding it blowing against the fence that surrounded the training ground, she flash-stepped to it and snatched it up. "I just have to train more. That's all. I know I can surpass her! I have too! It's the only way I'll be able to live with myself after..."
Another thought back to that moment made Soifon growl in anger. She slipped the haori on and dusted it off right as a Jigokucho flew by. She noticed the little black insect at once and held out her finger for it to land on so it could relay its message.
"Another Captain's meeting huh?" Soifon spoke out loud. "I suppose it's unavoidable, considering everything that happened." She watched as the Jigokucho flew away, its mission completed. Then she sighed. "Well, I suppose I better not waste any time." She felt for her lieutenant's Reiatsu and, upon finding it, flash-stepped to his location at once. Of course, the fat bastard was loitering around, stuffing his face with rice crackers as he always was. He was quite startled upon his captain's sudden appearance and nearly fell on his ass, a few of the rice crackers from his overflowing bag falling to the floor.
"C-Captain!" He choked. "Y-You surprised me!"
"Omaeda, I'm heading over to a Captain's meeting so I need you to oversee things around here until I get back. You get any assassination request, have them sent to my office and I'll take care of them later."
"Uh...R-Right, Captain Soifon! Of course."
Soifon pointed to the rice crackers around her lieutenant's feet. "And clean this mess up!" With that, Soifon vanished from sight.
"A-Aye aye Captain!" Mareichiyo saluted with a forced smile, a smile that vanished as soon as she was out of sight. "Tsk! What a taskmaster!"
As Mareichiyo begrudgingly started to clean, Soifon made her way toward the First Division Meeting Hall. Even with her immense speed, it would still take her an hour at least to get there. That was just fine with her, as it would give her time to reflect on her training and perhaps, even figure out what she was missing from her own version of Shunko, what she needed to surpass Yoruichi.
Unfortunately, thinking about Yoruichi brought about a different memory than their awesome battle. The far more recent memory of the head pat Yoruichi had given her.
Soifon blushed as she remembered the total awe she had found herself in when she received that head pat. She shook her head in an attempt to dislodge the memory so she could focus on improving her Shunko. It worked for a few seconds but it would keep coming back in force, requiring more effort to keep it away each time.
"What the hell's wrong with me? It was just a stupid head pat! Why can't I stop thinking about it.?" Soifon stopped on the roof of a random building and gently patted herself in the same spot Yoruichi did. It felt weirdly pleasant, although nowhere the same as when Yoruichi did it. "It was just a head pat." Soifon's thoughts continued. "Just a little rubbing on the head. So why can't I stop thinking about it?"
Soifon shook her head one final time and launched herself back to the air. Hopefully, the meeting would be able to provide a strong enough distraction for her sudden obsession with her head being touched.
"As you all know, a few days ago, former Captain Sosuke Aizen defected from Soul Society alongside former Captains Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen." Genryusai began. "As of none, Squads 3, 5, and 9 are missing captains. From what I hear, Lieutenant's Kira, Hinamori and Hisagi are doing all they can to rebuild the shattered morale of their respective Squads. I will be setting up a Lieutenant's meeting after today to help guide them through the process but for now, we have more pressing matters to discuss, such as ensuring that there are no other snakes in our midst!"
The Meeting Hall echoed with the sound of Genryusai's voice as well as the clack of his cane against the floor. Before him, facing each other in two uneven lines, were the remaining members of the Gotei 13. Soifon, Retsu, Shunsui, Jushiro, and Byakuya at one side, and Mayuri, Kenpachi, Toshiro, and Sajin on the other. Each and every one of them were not the most pleased to be here, mostly because they had other duties within their own Squads to contend with. But this was the Gotei 13 and the will of the Head Captain came first above all else. Thus, no attempt at complaining was made.
"What could the Head Captain possibly mean by that?" Soifon thought. "Are the other divisions going to be subjected to a surprise inspection?" She narrowed her gaze. "What am I worried about? There's no traitors in our midst. I would have rooted them out and destroyed them long ago if that were the case. I have no reason to fear an inspection from the Head Captain, nothing suspect to hide." She looked back up and frowned as her gaze met Mayrui's. "Not sure I can say the same for everyone, however."
"First, there will be a personalized interview held by the First Division and approved by me. Each one of you will be expected to come in at the appointed time and undergo it so we can determine whether or not you are in league with Aizen or perhaps looking to defect for your own purposes."
"Is he kidding?" Soifon thought. "A personalized interview for every one of us?"
"Once you have all been approved, you will be given instructions on how to interview the men and women of your own Squads!" Genryusai continued. "We must not leave any stone unturned this time! We cannot allow any one else to use us like Aizen did."
"There's something we can all agree on at least." Soifon nodded. "I suppose this is the only way to be sure no one else here is looking to join Team Traitor."
"You seem bothered, Captain Soifon." Byakuya whispered. "Is something wrong?"
Soifon nearly cried out in surprise as Byakuya spoke. It was quite rare for the Captain of the Sixth Division to speak in a meeting, let alone directly to anyone that wasn't the Head Captain. Soifon quickly recomposed herself and turned to him with a scowl "O-Of course nothing's wrong! Why would you even ask such a thing?"
"You just seemed to be lost in thought is all, with quite a troubled look on your face as well." Byakuya answered. "Almost as if you are nervous in regards to the Head Captain's proposal."
Soifon could not believe what she was hearing. "A-Are you accusing me, the Captain-Commander of the Onmitsukido, of having something to hide? You best be careful before those rumors start turning back in your direction, Captain Kuchiki. After all, I seem to recall it being your sister who played the biggest role in Aizen's little scheme in the first place!"
Byakuya's eyes narrowed. "Rukia's role in Aizen's scheme was completely out of her own control and free will." He replied. "And if you may recall, right until the end and despite my own personal feelings on the matter, I acted for the greater good of Soul Society. So I will thank you not to question my loyalties again."
"Only if you don't question mine," Soifon hissed back. Both captains turned away from each other and lent their attention back to the Head Captain as he continued to go over the finer details concerning the upcoming interviews. This went on for several minutes but at long last, it ended and the Head Captain cleared his throat as he prepared to finish his piece.
"You may all return to your barracks now but be ready to return here at a moment's notice. Remember, we are not undertaking these interviews in search of a scapegoat but rather to ensure that those of us left in the Gotei 13 are still loyal to the Soul Society. Whatever Aizen may be plotting, we cannot stop it unless we can fully trust in one another. Please keep this in mind as you investigate your own Squads." With this, Genryusai tapped his cane. "You are dismissed!"
At once, the other captains began to disperse, some talking to each other and others muttering to themselves.
"Let's head over to my place for some sake and cakes!" Shunsui suggested. "What do you say?"
"Sounds good," Jushiro accepted. "I could use a pick-me up after such a stressful meeting."
"Tsk! Did such a trivial matter really require our time?" Mayuri complained. "I have many, far more amusing experiments that require my attention!"
Soifon sighed. "Finally, it's over." She took a step forward. "Now I can-
"Captain Soifon," Byakuya spoke up. "Just a minute."
"Great!" Soifon thought bitterly. "What could this asshole possibly want now? Does he still suspect me of being a traitor or something? I better straighten him out before he starts giving the others ideas." Soifon turned her head to the Squad 6 Captain. "What is it now? Are you still accusing me of having something to hide?"
"Actually, quite the opposite," Byakuya explained. "I want you to know that I don't suspect you of anything nor was I trying to insinuate as such."
"Huh?" Soifon raised an eyebrow. "Just what the hell are you saying?"
"Captain Soifon, it's no secret that you are one of the most loyal Captains to the Gotei 13. Your reputation for leading your men on even the most dangerous and morally-compromising of missions proves this. You were even willing to go so far as to attempt to assassinate your predecessor, Yoruichi Shihoin when she was still declared a Ryoka. You are the last person anyone would suspect of being a traitor or in league with them." Byakuya spoke these words with clarity and calmness. There wasn't a single hint of sarcasm in his voice, not that such a thing was known for infecting the words of the Head of the Kuchiki Clan.
Soifon shuffled a little as she turned her body to fully face him. "Well...then...then why were you grilling me earlier?"
"You simply appeared to be troubled by your own thoughts is all." Byakuya replied without missing a beat. "Perhaps it is my bad for not making my concern more clear."
"That was him being concerned?" Soifon thought. "I don't think I'll ever understand the Kuchiki Clan." Soifon sighed once more. "Very well. Then I suppose I should apologize for my outburst then."
"There's no need," Byakuya interrupted as he walked past Soifon. "Just remember. You're not the only one who's willing to cross moral boundaries to do as the Soul Society wills nor are you the only one who wishes to see Sosuke Aizen answer for his crimes." There was an air of regret in Byakuya's voice and Soifon could tell at once that he was thinking about his adoptive sister, the one who very nearly died because he chose the Soul Society over family.
It was a sentiment Soifon could comprehend if not completely sympathize with.
"Very well, Captain Kuchiki," She spoke. "I'll-
Soifon stiffened as she felt Byakuya's hand brush against hers. The contact only lasted for a second and it was completely by accident but it was enough to stun Soifon with a rush of...something. A flush really, a strange sensation that swept throughout her body like a chill, all the more stranger in that is was pleasurable. Byakuya continued to make his way to the door, completely unaware of the awkward state he had left poor Soifon.
"W-What is this?" Soifon looked down at her trembling fingers. She moved them up and down as she began to feel warmer. Slowly, she raised her hand to her face and rubbed it, tensing up as she realized the heat was coming from her. She was blushing and furiously at that. Without a word, she flash-stepped out of the Meeting Hall, sending a silent prayer to the Soul King that neither the Head Captain or his lieutenant noticed her just now. She continued to dart from building to building until she felt she was far enough away from the Squad 1 barracks and any of the other captains and slipped into a alleyway. Pressed against the wall, she started to breathe in and out, allowing the exchange of air to cool her heating body. When it was done, all that was left was the tingling in her fingers, the same ones Byakuya Kuchiki had accidently brushed with his own. Soifon looked down at her hand again with teeth clenched in annoyance.
"What the hell was that?" She thought. "All he did was brush against me and my entire body reacted!" Soifon groaned as she let her head tap the wall. Even with the initial flush gone, Soifon could still feel it, that strange sensation all over her body. It was...nice. And familiar as well. The same feeling she had when she completed a mission or when she would receive praise from Yoruichi as a young girl.
"Yoruichi!"
Soifon patted her head in that same spot once again as she continued to stare at her fingers. With a growing horror in her chest, she realized that she was feeling the same longing from both parts of her body.
A longing for more physical contact.
Soifon flash-stepped back to her barracks at once. She would spend the entire day training, ignoring lunch or even the paperwork she had waiting on her desk. She threw herself completely into punching and kicking the air, trying to keep those terrible thoughts at bay.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" Soifon whispered to herself as she lay in her futon. Once again, the wind was gently blowing outside but it could do nothing to soothe Soifon on this night. Her mind and body were at war with each other now, one longing for something that greatly repulsed the other. "This is insane. I could understand the head pat from Lady Yoruichi but...Byakuya..." She raised her hand yet again. The fingers had stopped trembling but the longing was still there. "W-Why am I feeling this longing for him too..."
Soifon blushed.
"What the hell am I saying!? I've never had any feelings for Byakuya! W-We hardly even talk! We're just fellow Captains! That's the only relationship we have! The only one I want to have with him! So why...why am I feeling this way? And over something as stupid as my hand getting touched?" Soifon lifted her other hand over herself as well. She stared at her two hands, her gaze shifting back and forth like a pendulum. "What could Lady Yoruichi and Byakuya possibly have in common to make me feel like this?"
Soifon laid there, staring at her own hands for several seconds. Slowly, almost unconsciously, she inched her hands closer together and allowed her fingers to interlock with each other until each hand held the other over her. Soifon blushed as she felt another rush like earlier, albeit, far softer and nowhere near as pleasurable. "C-Could this be it?" She asked herself. "Maybe...maybe neither of them have anything to do with it...maybe...it was simply a matter of-
Touch
Soifon's face burned with the fury of a thousand suns. Frantically, the Captain of Squad 2 broke her own grasp, shoved her hands back into her blanket and turned to her side.
"No! No! That's not right!" She thought. "I hate touch! I hate it! Lady Yoruichi's the only one whose touch I'll tolerate and that's simply because she's Lady Yoruichi! I...I don't need touch!"
Soifon buried her face in her pillow and tried to force herself to fall asleep so she could hopefully forget this stupid thought. It would be another hour before she succeeded, enough time for her angry denial to turn into quiet and almost saddened curiosity.
"I...I hate being touched...right?"
(Just to let y'all know, there will be an OC in the next chapter. If you've read some of my other fics, you know her already. If not, well, hopefully I can make her bearable for you. In any case, please, PLEASE review if you enjoyed this story and I'll try to circle back to this one as soon as I can! Sayonara!)
