Outsider Chronicles: Death Comes for All
Most Outsiders are reborn after death, but I wasn't. I actually found myself in an Afterlife. Just one problem, its not the afterlife I was expecting. No fluffy clouds or harps for me, just swords, Demons and utter chaos. Dear god, I'm boned!
Nothing to say here, enjoy!
Chapter 2
It had been just over 40 years since that day, during which time I had reached the point where my aging had basically stopped at about 23 years old in Human terms. I had long since entered the 13 Court Guard Squads as the 6th seat of Squad 6 under my Grandfather while Byakuya held the post of 3rd seat. Our parents had been killed in action around 20 years ago during a battle with a group of particularly strong Hollows while saving a group of Souls from the monsters. Soi-fon and I continued to train together until my friend had reached the rank of Commander in Chief of the Stealth Force and was well on her way to earning the rank of Captain. Other than that, the only other thing of note was Byakuya meeting and falling for Hisana during a patrol of Rukongai. That lead to my current position, in the Clan Meeting room, being forced to listen to the Elders as they argued.
"This is an outrage!" yelled one of the more traditionalist elders, "We cannot allow our bloodline to be tainted by those of lesser standing!"
"While I do not agree with how my brother put it, he is correct," said another Elder, "The rules are in place for a reason."
"The problem is that they are completely incorrect," I muttered.
"Hmm, did you say something Kurama?" asked Grandfather.
I twitched. I had forgotten how good the old mans hearing was. I glanced around at the Elders and my Brother, before letting out a huff.
"Look, I get where you're coming from," I said, "Tradition is important and all that, but its not like Byakuya is trying to get out of an arranged marriage or something. He has no other outstanding duties that prevent him from marrying Hisana. To add to that, adding some new blood to the family can only be good."
"What do you mean by that?" asked one of the more open Elders as the others all started muttering.
"Well, its a proven fact that intermarrying too much between a small number of families eventually causes problems," I said, "Besides, if you're honestly worried about our Clan losing strength, don't be. Hisana has an incredible amount of Spirit Energy."
"This is pre…"
"Enough," said Grandfather, "Kurama is correct in this matter."
He opened his eyes and fixed Byakuya with a stare.
"You can marry her," he said, "I trust in you and your brothers judgment. I hope you and Hisana will be very happy."
He stood and walked out of the room as the rest of the Elders started muttering among themselves. Taking the opportunity to escape, Byakuya and I quickly left the room.
"Thank you for your support in there Brother," said Byakuya.
I smiled and patted him on the back.
"Its not a problem," I said, "Hisana's good for you."
Byakuya paused.
"You've met her?" he asked.
"Of course. How do you think I know about her Spirit Energy? And I know for a fact that Grandfather has spoken with her as well."
"I see…" muttered Byakuya.
I smirked and gave him a shove.
"Now get going and get your girl," I said, "I want to meet her properly this time."
Byakuya gave me a small smile and vanished in a Flash Step.
Shortly after that, Byakuya and Hisana were married and I was treated to a sight that I'm sure Ichigo would never have believed was possible in the future. Byakuya smiling in genuine happiness and I could see why. Hisana was a joy to be around, the sort of person who radiates good feelings like a miniature sun. Even with the aura of melancholy she had whenever she returned from searching for Rukia in Rukongai, she always smiled whenever she saw Byakuya.
Speaking of Rukia, I did my best to help my sister and even asked the Stealth Force for help through Soi-fon, but the Outer Districts were simply too far for the Seireitei influence to do much and trying to find one street kid in that mess...yeah, not a chance.
Six years seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, during which time Hisana managed to worm her way into the hearts of even the coldest of the Kuchiki Clan elders. However, even in the Soul Society, life can be fragile at times. Despite my best efforts and the help I gave her, it seems that Hisane was doomed from the start. Besides, what could I possibly do? Grandfather even got Captain Unohana in to try and heal her after Hisana collapsed one day, but even the legendary healer was unable to do anything.
"The Human body is an amazing thing," she had said, "If it so chooses, even someone who appears on the brink of death can be healed with the right treatment. However, by the same vain, if it gives up, nothing a healer can do will coax it to heal."
After Hisana died, Byakuya withdrew, becoming more of the cold character he was in the Anime.
Shortly after Hisana's death, I was promoted and transferred to Squad 2 as the Lieutenant under Soi-fon who managed to earn the rank of captain. Considering we were old friends, she immediately requested me as an officer in her Squad.
"Alright maggots," said Soi-fon as she stared out over the gathered Shinigami of Squad 2, "I am the new Captain of Squad 2, Soi-fon. As I am also the Commander in Chief of the Stealth Force, from this day on, the two will operate as one. The heads of each division will serve as the first five seated Offices. I'll be making changes to the line up over time as I get some idea of your abilities and you adapt to the new training regime I have for you. To help me with that, I have requested some help from an old friend of mine who has been in dire need of a promotion for a while. With that in mind, please welcome your new Lieutenant…"
She was cut off by a loud crash.
"WHAT?!" roared the source of the yell, a large man I recognized as Marechiyo Ōmaeda.
He looked annoyed by something.
"And you are?" asked Soi-fon, looking the Lieutenant up and down with a barely hidden sneer.
"I'm the Lieutenant of this Squad, Marechiyo Omaeda!" said Omaeda.
"Really? You're the Lieutenant?" sneered Soi-fon, this time not bothering to hide it, "Now I'm really glad I had Kurama assigned to me. I can tell just by looking at you that he is much more powerful, both in skills and Spiritual Pressure."
Omaeda gritted his teeth in anger.
"I expect you to turn your Lieutenant's badge in by the end of the day," said Soi-fon.
"But Captain you can't be serious!" protested the large man, "I have been the Lieutenant of Squad 2 since my Father retired! Surely you understand that I know the Squad better than anyone, least of all someone from an entirely different Squad!"
"Thats true," said Soi-fon, "However, you are completely unsuitable to be the second in command of the Punishment Force if you can't even detect a blade thats at your neck."
Omaeda's eyes widened as he looked down and saw that the blade of my Zanpakuto was pointing at his jugular.
"I strongly suggest that you don't underestimate me," I said, my eyes and blade reflecting the light dangerously.
"W-what the..?!" gasped Omaeda, "Who the hell are you?"
I smirked.
"Kurama Kuchiki, your new Lieutenant," I said, "And thanks for this."
I held up the Lieutenant's badge I'd slipped off Omaeda's arm while he was distracted. I removed my blade and Flash Stepped over to join Soi-fon, returning my sword to its sheath across the back of my belt. Said sword took the form of a katana with a horseshoe shaped hilt and a red and black wrapped hilt.
"Howdy everyone, I'm Kurama Kuchiki, formerly of Squad 6," I said, "From now on, I will be your Lieutenant."
"Alright, you lot are dismissed," said Soi-fon, I'll have your new schedule drawn up for you tomorrow. For the next few weeks, we'll be whipping you into shape."
She gave a dark grin.
"Its going to be extremely fun...for me and Kurama at least."
"I suggest you all get plenty of rest tonight," I said, "Trust me, you're going to need it."
"NO!"
Soi-fon paused.
"What was that?" she growled as she fixed Omaeda with a glare that would have made lesser man cower.
"I refuse to accept this!" said the large man, ignoring the Squad members that tried to get him to shut up, "The Lieutenant's seat is mine!"
I let out a huff.
"Captain?"
"Go ahead," said Soi-fon, "Just don't kill him."
I smirked and turned back to the gathered Soul Reapers.
"Alright then Omaeda, how about you prove it," I said, "If you don't think I'm worthy of being Lieutenant, prove it in the sparring ring. If you beat me, I'll give you back your Lieutenant post."
Omaeda blinked then smirked.
"Fine, you're on," he sneered, "Kuchiki or not, a weedy brat like you can't beat me!"
I smirked. This was gonna be fun.
A few minutes later, Omaeda and I were stood across from one another in the sparring ring behind the Barracks.
"Alright you two, you are permitted to use Shikai, but please try to avoid lethal strikes," said Soi-fon, "Now then, BEGIN!"
"I'll crush you in one shot!" roared Omaeda, whipping out his sword, "Crush him, Gegetsuburi!"
He swing his sword, sending the massive spiked ball at me. I smirked and drew my own sword, deflecting the flail with a flick of my wrist.
"Well, you're certainly not wasting any time," I said, "Alright then, I guess I'll show you my Zanpakuto."
I held my sword out to the side.
"Attract, Satatsu," I said.
The entire weapon turned black and dissolved into black dust, before reforming into the shape of a guardless sword.
"Huh? What kind of Shikai is that?" growled Omaeda, "Its so puny!"
I smirked.
"Oh really?" I asked, "You have no idea what my Satetsu can do and your already brushed it off? Big mistake fatso."
Omaeda twitched.
"DON'T YOU CALL ME FAT!" he roared and flung his Zanpakuto at me.
I flicked my wrist again, only this time, my blade cut straight through the heavy ball and extended into a black whip-like form. Omaeda let out a rather undignified yelp and jumped out of the way as my blade carved a deep furrow in the ground.
"Satatsu is a blade composed of iron sand," I said, "As such, I can manipulate its shape and form with ease. Not only that, but the grains vibrate at high speed, granting it incredible cutting power."
"Y-y-you bastard!" stuttered Omaeda.
I smirked.
"So, are you ready to give up or am I going to have to really hurt you?" I asked as my sword began to ripple and shift and black sand began to swirl around me.
"Rggggg, SCREW YOU!" roared Omaeda as he charged me with his fists.
I sighed and raised a hand. The black sand swirled and surged out.
"Black sand coffin," I said.
Omaeda yelped as the sand swept him off his feet and wrapped around him, blinding him in place with ease.
"Why do I even bother?" I grumbled as the idiot tried to struggle against the bonds, "And quit struggling, you won't be able to break free from that."
"SCREW YOU!"
"You already said that," I said, "Anyway, I'm bored. Time for you to get going."
I waved a hand and sent him flying out of the ring.
"Winner, Kurama Kuchiki," said Soi-fon, "Not that I was expecting any other outcomes."
"Nice to know you think so highly of me," I said as I sealed my Zanpakuto.
"Oh, its not that, I just don't want to be the sparring partner of someone who'd lose to that tub of lard."
I twitched.
"Man, thats cold," I said.
Soi-fon ignored me.
"So, are there any others who want to protest my decision?" she asked.
Everyone in the Squad quickly shook their heads.
"Alright then, someone take that moron back to the Barracks and get his stuff out of the Lieutenant's Quarters," said the Captain, "Dismissed."
Everyone hurried to obey.
"So, what now?" I asked.
"Now?" said Soi-fon, "Now we do our jobs and whip this bunch of idiots into shape."
She turned and started walking towards the Captains Quarters. Just before she left the ring area, she paused.
"Kurama, I'm putting a lot of trust in you," she said, "Don't let me down."
I smiled slightly.
"Never."
And with that, I'm done. So, what do you think? Good? Bad? Not sure? Eh, no matter.
If your wondering why Soi-fon is acting a little OOC, the reason is largely due to Kurama. She's still serious, driven and does not take kindly to traitors, but shes nowhere near as hard as she is at the start of canon.
I've always wondered how Omaeda managed to remain Lieutenant, even if he is much better than he appears at first glance. To that end, I gave him the boot and replaced him with a much better choice.
Kurama's Zanpakuto is not what it appears to be. I won't spill what its actual ability us, but suffice to say its a lot more than just manipulating a small amount of iron sand.
And with that, I'm done. Don't forget to leave a review on the way out!